South African Minister Says Coal Is Critical Mineral for the Country

South Africa should look at coal as a critical mineral because of its importance to the country’s economy and employment, Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe said on Monday. South Africa, one of the world’s largest coal producers and exporters, continues to rely on coal for a large part of its energy mix.

Currently, some 85% of South Africa’s electricity is generated at coal-fired power stations. Despite efforts to boost the share of renewables in its power mix, South Africa continues to rely on coal, also because…